Coastal Geology in our National Parks
Mapping and Monitoring in the Parks
There are three main programs which address geologic inventory and monitoring of coastal National Parks. These programs are the Geologic Resource Evaluation Program, the Inventory and Monitoring Program, and Long Term Ecolo0gical Monitoring Program.
Geologic Resource Evaluation
The Geologic Resource Evaluation (GRE) program is working to evaluate the geologic resources of all National Park units designated as having significant natural resources. This includes all of the 97 coastal park units! As part of this evaluation for each coastal park the geologic features (such as, sand dunes and lava tubes) and the geologic processes (such as, sediment transport, sea-level rise, and shoreline change) are considered. The results of this evaluation are presented to the park as a report to be used in future planning activities. The GRE program also provides each park with an extensive bibliography of geographic research relevant to their specific park. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of the GRE program for coastal parks is the generation of high quality digital geologic maps which provide a new and exciting resource to coastal park managers.
To learn more about the GRE program visit the Inventory page on this website.
Coastal Mapping
A comprehensive geologic resource evaluation is necessary for the effective management of our coastal national parks. The creation of digital geologic maps is a critical component of this evaluation. In coastal areas, surficial and subsurface geology are intertwined with park flora, fauna, soil, water, and cultural resources. In addition, relative sea level rise, geologic hazards, and anthropogenic modifications create an immediate need for detailed geologic mapping in coastal areas. The Geologic Resource Evaluation program and the NPS Coastal Geology team, in cooperation with other Federal, State and local governments, is currently working to develop high quality mapping protocols for coastal parks.
Coastal mapping protocols for the Atlantic and Gulf coast regions within the National Park Service have been developed. A report outlining these protocols is availible for download: Coastal Geology Mapping Protocols for the Atlantic and Gulf National Park Units (.pdf file 600KB.) Similar protocolos for Caribbean and tropical environments, as well as Alaska, and the rocky coast regions will be developed in the near future. Coastal mapping protocols will be revised as park-specific needs are identified during coastal park scoping sessions.
Through interagency partnerships, including USGS, NASA, state, academic, and private industry, the National Park Service will map important geologic resources in coastal national parks. Areas adjacent to park boundaries are also of interest, but will probably be mapped in lesser detail. Maps resulting from the GRE effort will include seamless coverage from emergent to submergent geologic features. The final mapping products will enable park managers to effectively monitor changes in coastal areas, and will aid in the understanding of geologic processes affecting coastal health and sustainability.
Examples of Geologic Processes Considered
Shoreline Change
Shorelines are dynamic areas subject to constant reworking by currents, wave action, and storm events. Coastal zones change rapidly due to the transport of sediment that is dictated by dominant local currents. This physical process may increase sediment accretion in some areas, while increasing erosional "hot spots" in other locations. Coastal managers should have knowledge of the sediment budget, transport directions, and sediment characteristics of their region. This will aid in predicting both short and long-term changes, and aid in understanding why shoreline change has occurred. With this knowledge, steps may be taken to prevent future change, and/or to repair damage inflicted to the shoreline.
Sea-Level Change
Eustatic (worldwide) sea levels are expected to increase 40 to 65 cm by the year 2100. Even a moderate increase in sea level may lead to the gradual extinction of many coastal environments and species. Coastal National Parks must consider long-term management plans to counteract the negative impacts of sea level rise on vulnerable coastal areas. The National Park Service and the United States Geological Survey are currently developing Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) maps for all coastal parks. These maps identify coastal areas sensitive to sea-level rise, and will allow managers to take precautions necessary for their protection. Visit the Sea Level Rise page on this site for more information on global warming and sea-level rise.
Inventory and Monitoring Program
The NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program is designed to increase long-term monitoring of natural resources in the National Parks. This program uses "Vital Signs" or key indicators, biological and physical, to gague the health of an ecosystem. Through careful investigation of vital signs, coastal managers are able to determine the health and sustainability of our parks and take the steps necessary to preserve our natural heritage.
The official NPS Inventory and Monitoring programs home page is http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/monitor/index.htm
You can learn more about the Geologic Resource Divisions involvement in inventory and monitoring activities by visiting the Inventory or Monitoring webpages in this site.
Long - Term Ecological Monitoring
Long-term ecological monitoring (LTEM) investigates ecosystem dynamics at the species population, watershed and broad landscape levels, through careful analysis of ten biogeographic biomes. Whereas many ecological studies are site specific and of short duration, the LTEM enhances long-term monitoring of complex ecological interactions to determine the most effective management responses to both natural and human-induced ecosystem changes. Currently, a prototype project is under development for one individual park within each biome. When complete, the regional LTEM may be adapted and utilized by other parks within the same ecological divisions. The following LTEM biogeographic associations are specific to National coastal and shoreline parks.
To learn more about the LTEM program please visit: http://www.nature.nps.gov/im/brochure/bltem1.htm
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BIOGEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION |
PROTOTYPE PARK |
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Atlantic and Gulf Coast http://www.nature.nps.gov/im/brochure/batlbga1.htm |
Cape Cod National Seashore |
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Lakes and Rivers http://www.nature.nps.gov/im/brochure/blakbga1.htm |
North Cascades National Park |
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Tropical and Subtropical http://www.nature.nps.gov/im/brochure/btrobga.htm |
Virgin Islands National Park |
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Pacific Coast |
Channel Islands National Park |